Getting started is the hardest part no matter what it is you’re planning to do.

“The scariest moment,” says Stephen King, “is always just before you start. After that things can only get better.”

Our classes are still online just now and that’s making it even harder for some folks to take the leap required to join us.

There’s loads of reasons why getting started is a problem for most of us. Here’s just a few off the top of my head:

1) It’s scary

Changing something is scary. Doing something you’ve done before in a new way is scary. Trying something you’ve never done before is scary.

Fear is healthy, it’s there for a reason and it’s really natural for us to avoid things that make us feel fear. Studies like this one even suggest we fear an unknown outcome more than we do a known bad one. Crazy but true!

2) No-one wants to fail

And the easiest way to avoid failure is to never do anything.

3) No-one wants to look daft

Especially in front of other people - our desire to cultivate status within our peers is hardwired - but we don’t even want to feel awkward and embarrassed when we’re alone!

When we decide to start something really all that’s happening is that we’re asking ourselves to accept those feelings and do it anyway.

4) You don’t have…

You convince yourself that you don’t have the right leggings, a decent enough space or the tech know-how required to join online. You don’t have enough flexibility, strength or concentration; the ability to sit still, lie still or be quiet. You don’t have the time, the experience or courage.

This list is never ending!

5) Life gets in the way

We’re way too busy to squeeze yet another commitment into our diary, right?

6) You want to wait until things “go back to normal”

We all really want things to go back to how they were before this global pandemic. Comfortable, familiar and for many of us a whole lot less stressful.

I don’t know about you, but now I’m not sure what “normal” means any more. If we learned anything from last year it’s that it’s going to take an awful lot longer than any of us could have imagined for life to settle again.

All of these points and loads of other reasons I’ve not mentioned, but you’ve thought of while you’re reading this, are perfectly valid.

But the thing is, how much do they matter?

If you really want to change whatever it is you want to change, you will.

Without this desire nothing will happen. When you really want something it becomes really important to you. It’s all you can think about. You give it time and attention. You prioritise the really important thing over the other things that are filling your life just now.

When something is important to you, it’s easier to keep going even when you feel a bit clumsy and uncomfortable in the beginning. Because you know it’ll be worth it.

Where to begin?

In this new online world that we all find ourselves in our choice of yoga teachers and yoga classes is vast. When you can take a class with anyone anywhere in the world from your own living room, how do you choose?

Sarah Hatcher, friend of MCY and much respected Ashtanga yoga teacher, calls this “yoga shopping” in her most recent blog. With the click of a button you can practice with anyone. “How awesome is this” she says, “the silver lining of lock down yoga in 2020.”

And I’ve experienced it here at MCY, the joy of having students join me in class even though they’ve moved away from Glasgow or their home circumstances mean they wouldn’t be able to attend in person.

But that’s not the whole picture. As Sarah goes on to say, there’s definite drawbacks to this huge choice too, including confusion arising from taking instruction from different teachers who may have a different approach or experience.

“Lastly,” Sarah says “often the shopping yogi invests in teachings that instead could be placed in the hands of their local teacher.”

And there it is.

When you’re looking for a class to join ask yourself why you’re looking further afield? What are those teachers providing that your local teachers can’t?

Your local teachers are working flat out to keep offering classes and support during these ridiculously challenging times. Choosing local supports them now so that they’re still here for you when we begin to move back to taking classes in person.

What class to choose?

Choosing a class when you’re just starting out can be overwhelming. There’s so many to choose from - different styles, different teachers, different online platforms and different locations!

Here’s some points I share with anyone new looking to join us for the first time:

1) It’s important to figure out what it is you’re looking for.

Try a few different classes and teachers to find the ones that work for you. When you join a class simply do what you can and don’t worry about what you can’t. You’ll find that things start to feel a little more familiar the more classes you go to. Nothing should be painful and if it is stop doing it.

2) I always suggest starting with classes with Beginners or Basics in the title.

That means the class is for people just like you who are starting out. I’ve been to some beginners classes that most definitely weren’t for beginners, and if you find that’s the case don’t be put off, try another class with a different teacher. You should feel welcome and supported regardless of what you can and can’t do on a yoga mat.

3) Different styles of yoga have something different to offer

Are you looking for something dynamic to help you build strength and flexibility, a slower pace with more of a focus on relaxation or something in between?

Class descriptions should give you an idea of what to expect and who the class is designed for. Our chat about our different class styles here at MCY is a helpful reference and you’ll find it here. You can even ask Google about a particular class style if you’re still not sure, although be wary as opinion can be varied and often misleading! Far better to get yourself and your mat down on the floor, take part and form your own opinion.

4) Pick a time that’s convenient for you

If the time of the class is convenient for you it’s much easier to keep making it along. We all know that anything really worthwhile takes time so at least give yourself a fighting chance to keep turning up. And when you keep turning up, yoga does the rest!

5) Think seriously about joining a local class

If you’re in this for the long haul (if you’re looking to change something that’s definitely you!) and you want to feel like you belong to something special, look for a local studio or teacher. If the class was running before lockdown there’s a good chance there’s an active community and the online classes are keeping everyone connected.

Participate, contact the teacher, ask questions. And one day soon you’ll even be able to meet your classmates and take a class in person with your teacher!

Just think, this time next year, you’ll wish you’d started today…

Judi x

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